Friday, November 20, 2009

holiday pattern ideas

Thanks so much for all your ideas! You've really inspired me. I read through all the suggestions, and drew up sketches of all the ones I thought would be doable in the limited time I have. Here's a sketch and a brief description of each one, to help you make your choice:

1: Mistletoe and holly: little white or red berries with options for each kind of leaf. I think these would be great on their own, or to add to wreaths, table decorations, etc.2: Pullover: this would be based on a simple pullover pattern, with striped sleeves, and a snowflake worked as intarsia on the front.3: Skirt: to dress-up your toys for the holidays. It would be knit in the round (with optional instructions for knitting flat), possibly with stripes or a colour-work design.4: Mouse: a small ornament, with bobble feet, and with head and hat sewn on.5: Elf hat and boots: to fit smaller toys. A pointy striped hat, and boots with pointy toes. Both items would probably be easiest to design knit in the round.6: Sleeping bag and pillow: simple and quick item to knit, and a nice addition to a gifted toy.7: Angel wings: similar design to wings from owls/penguin/duck patterns. I'll probably add some way to strap them onto the toy. (there are lots of dress patterns already which could be adapted to make an angel's gown)8: Elf: I know people probably wanted a full-size elf toy, but I just haven't time! This would be made similar to the mini alien (and much cuter than my terrible sketch).

You have until Sunday evening to vote for your favourite idea. I'll choose the winning design based on which gets the most votes and which one I feel most excited to design. Hopefully it won't take too long to get ready for you, so you have a few weeks to get your needles busy!

I have to ask you for the tiny elf pattern.Your little alien is so cute, so I'm certain the elf would be.And the elf could be an ornament, stuffed in a stocking, attached to a wreath, hiding on a shelf, attached to a present, oh think of the ideas!Yes, my vote is for a tiny elf please!!!

When I said this little cute elf, I was referring to a skinny body like the size of a walnut, with icord for legs, arms and pompoms at the end of the foot, small hands and a hat? How hard is that for you? I could attach a photo but it won't work and it won't let me do that. Please! Please!

Anon: I removed your comment because I did not believe it was in the spirit with which I wish to write this blog. I did not intend to be insulting or condescending, rather I was trying to encourage you to design your own toy, since you seemed to have such a good idea of what you wanted, and I thought that idea should belong to you.

I began designing toys while still just a beginner, and I've found it's been a great way to learn new skills and progress as a knitter. I hope that you can do the same.If you would like to discuss this further, please email me (barbara @ fuzzymitten . com)

Anon: if you'd like somewhere to start with your elf design, I found this free pattern: http://isomyreallife.blogspot.com/2008/11/phone-gnome-pattern.htmlYou could gather together the bottom of the coat, and stuff the body. Then you just need to make the legs with pom-poms, as you wanted.

Barbara:What I don't really understand is WHY you asked us to give you some ideas and all of a sudden you gave me the impression I can do it myself... UGH! YOu leave a mixed message.... You just lost a valuable customer and I am somewhat turned by your comment. Thank you.